We’re back with another edition of Saturday Night Live celebrates the holidays. SNL alum, and one of its most prodigal daughters, Kristen Wiig returns to host the show. Big holiday episodes like Thanksgiving or Christmas are always chock full of guest drop-ins and this episode was no different as we saw Jason Sudeikis, Steve Martin, and Will Forte. Wiig was such a powerhouse when she was on the show, there’s no way we wouldn’t see some of her greatest hits. Luckily the show wasn’t all that, however, a well placed Wiig Target Lady in the Target commercial would’ve been a welcome surprise. Let’s run it down.
Cold Open: Donald Drumpf Prepares
The worst thing of all has happened to Donald Drumpf, and that’s the notion that now he’s become the President-elect, he actually needs to lead. Alec Baldwin returns in his role as a man more concerned with the spectacle of power than knowing the inner workings of it, well, it’s a total nightmare for him. His campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway (Kate McKinnon) also shoulders a lot of the blame. Also, the statement, “I love you Mike, you’re the reason I’ll never get impeached” resonates a bit too close to home doesn’t it?
Additionally, Drumpf managed to tweet about his dislike of SNL’s episode asking for equal time. A request in which Alec Baldwin replied no longer existed now that the election is over.
Monologue The monologue is where the host introduces themselves to the world. With Thanksgiving around the corner, Kristin Wiig decided to give us all a musical lesson about the holiday. Problem is, her lessons aren’t particularly aligned with the truth. But it works, we’re now in a post-truth world now. With the monologue, we get our other two guest drop ins of the evening in Steve Martin and Will Forte. Boom.
The Bubble This sketch is a direct shot at those who still haven’t manged to see the forest before the trees and live in a world where a Drumpf Presidency is not even an option. Stay open minded, as long as it the same opinion you have. It’s Brooklyn, with a bubble on it.
Secret Word This sketch is a revitalization of a character Wiig would often pull out when she was on the show. While the premise was never really too strong, it was Wiig’s ability to ham it up that made it fun. This notion still holds true.
CNN: Anderson Cooper 360 Distrust of the media was one of the many storylines that that ran through this recent presidential election cycle. The writers took the opportunity to skewer cable news, particularly and it’s political panels. While CNN wasn’t the only network to fall victim to the steady diet of rhetoric, the twist in suggesting they’re hosts on Westworld nails the sentiment of many.
Target Commercial This Thanksgiving, Target is your safe space. This seemingly sponsored-ad sketch shows just how much a getaway from your hometown the local Target can be. Need to get away from your weird cousins, racist grandma, or political uncle? This is where you can do it. SNL has managed to mine the idea of returning home for the holidays to great effect over the years. This is one that can be added to the arsenal.
QVC Auditions Two dueling suburban neighbors are trying to make it onto QVC. This sketch is just weird, but it starts to win you over as Cecily Strong and Kristen Wiig just bulldog off each other trying to outdo each other.
The XX “On Hold” Ladies and gentlemen, The XX.
Weekend Update Update was frontloaded with some killer political material. With Michael Che and Colin Jost dishing some great barbs toward the President-elect and his choices made this week. However, the jokes get less political after Pete Davidson tries to reconcile himself with his hometown post-election. Pete Davidson doubles down on his hometown of Staten Island. Michael Che’s neighbor Willie is incredibly optimistic this Thanksgiving. Though he probably shouldn’t be.
Thanksgiving Day Parade If you have a phobia of clowns, this sketch did literally nothing to curb those thoughts. The prospect of the clown balloons of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade balloons coming to life and terrorizing you is a handful of nightmares rolled into one. Bobby Moynihan, striking a similar look to Pennywise from Steven Kings It and well, it’s a horror stew for children and parents alike. And we should all feel bad for Kristin Chenoweth, she never stood a chance.
Whiskers R We Every time Kate McKinnon tries to set up pet adoption at Whiskers R We, her partner gets a bit too handsy. It’s unfortunate because all she wants to do is the hard work of helping stray cats.
The XX “I Dare You” The XX took the opportunity to perform a new song called “I Dare You.” And in that spirit, we dare you to find it on the internet somewhere.
Surprise Lady: Thanksgiving The 10-to-1 sketch of the evening was another recurring Kristen Wiig character. One that many love because if the physical demands it places on Wiig. She’s so good at it. That’s going to do it for this week’s episode of Saturday Night Live, the show is dark until December 3rd where they’ll return with Emma Stone returning to host the evening again.
